Frequently asked questions
- What types of projects could be funded through a special charge?
- I pay rates, so why would I have to pay more?
- Who must contribute to a special charge scheme?
- What consultation happens with residents before a special charge is applied?
- How is the special rate or charge calculated?
- What are the payment options for a special charge?
- What if I can’t afford a special charge?
- Has Council applied a Special Charge or Rate before?
Ask your own question
Please use this forum to ask questions about the draft Policy. This forum is moderated to ensure easy access to information. Please provide feedback on the draft Policy via the survey on the main project page.
Some of the projects listed as eligible for a special charge contribute broad benefits to the Bayside region rather than simply a benefit for nearby homeowners (e.g. maintaining the stormwater drains for public health reasons). Could you please provide a more comprehensive list of the sorts of projects that are being considered under this proposal, and how justification will be determined that they provide direct benefit to a select group of property owners rather than the region as a whole?
The list of example projects includes sealing roads and footpaths. Does this include maintenance and resealing existing roads, footpaths etc, or is it referring only to new developments?
Council is responsible for maintaining its stormwater drainage network in order to manage rainwater in local streets. This is part of a much larger network protecting a whole suburb that then flows into larger drains and creeks managed by Melbourne Water. How is this considered a benefit to only a special group of homeowners when it is part of a complex region-wide network? What if rainwater distribution is affected by a new construction approved by council that then adversely impacts others?
Can underground digging for placing overhead wires underground impact areas of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Sensitivity? If so, what protections will be used? Does an archaeological survey has to be undertaken beforehand?
What if, I, as a ratepayer, do not want whatever it is that you are running past my house? Am I still liable for a statutory cost and like every other decision that Council makes, is the rights of the ratepayer ignored and trampled and the costs still accumulate against the property? I live on a corner block. Do I get charged for the works that go past on both the northern and western Nature strips? What is the position if there are already substantial native Gum trees on the nature strip?
Under the draft Policy, property owners who would receive a direct benefit from the undergrounding of powerlines form the ‘affected residents’ – of which 80% would need to provide consent/approval for it to take place.
The request for the undergrounding of powerlines in any residential street would be as a direct result of residents/neighbours approaching Council with a request to have this considered.
Council would not impose a Special Rate Charge if the majority of affected residents did not agree.
In regards to corner blocks, if both streets on the northern and western sections requested Council to underground the power, then you would be consulted as part of both groups, each of which would need at least 80% support for the project to proceed.
Should the majority of affected residents be supportive, there is still an opportunity for residents to challenge this at the Victorian and Civil Administrative Tribunal.
Regarding the gum trees, consideration of their safety/protection would form part of any initial design work to support the undergrounding of powerlines. It is not expected that trees would be damaged during this process. Protecting the tree canopy is one of the main reasons to underground powerlines.
These projects look expensive (underground wires, sealing roads and easements). How much would they typically cost? How big would each ratepayer’s contribution be? I am concerned for lower income groups such as retirees and people with disabilities who may own their own homes but not have much income. I am very concerned about the requirement for everyone to pay even if they disagree. The fees could be substantial and the only alternative to paying would be to sell the property.
Hi Ruth,
At this stage the costs have been estimated between the range of $15,000-$22,000 per property. For any type of Special Charge Scheme, a minimum of 80% approval from all affected residents would need to be reached before any charge could be applicable. Each case would need to be assessed on an individual bases and each property owner will have the right to put forward their issues and subsequent appeal. However, if 80% of the affected residents approve, then it is expected that each property makes their contribution, or seeks consideration through Council’s Financial Hardship Policy.
